California is a big state with many places to see. To explore it well, renting a car is often the best choice. And, this article will help you find the best car rental deals in California. Here, we will look at different companies and options to make your California trip fun and affordable.​ 

Want the cheapest car rental in California? For most travelers, city pickup beats airport locations because it avoids concession fees  compare prices across Enterprise, Budget, Avis, Hertz and car-sharing platforms like Turo and Getaround to find the best fit.

Explore the Best Car Rental Companies and Alternatives in California

Enterprise Rent-A-Car

Enterprise is a popular car rental company in California. They have many locations, including airports and cities. Enterprise offers a wide range of vehicles, from small cars to large SUVs. They are known for good customer service and competitive prices. ​

Budget Car Rental

The second is Budget Car Rental. It is a well-known car rental company. They have many locations across California. Budget offers various cars at affordable prices. They often have special deals and discounts. This makes them a good choice for travelers looking to save money. ​

Getaround

Getaround is a car-sharing service available in California. It allows you to rent cars from local owners. You can rent by the hour or day. This offers flexibility and often lower prices. 

Avis Car Rental

Another option is Avis. This has many rental locations in California. They offer a variety of vehicles to suit different needs. Avis is known for quality service and a smooth rental process. They also provide options for long-term rentals. ​

Hertz Car Rental

The next is Hertz. It is a trusted name in car rentals. They have many locations throughout California. Hertz offers a wide selection of vehicles, including luxury options. They also provide flexible rental terms to fit your schedule. 

California Rent A Car

Visiting California? How can we forget “California Rent A Car.” It is a local company based in Los Angeles. They offer a diverse fleet of vehicles. This includes economy cars and luxury models. They focus on customer satisfaction and competitive pricing. 

United Auto Rental

Let us add a hidden gem to the list. Yes, United Auto Rental serves areas like Orange County and Ontario. They offer a range of vehicles to meet different needs. United Auto Rental focuses on personalized service and affordable rates. 

Sixt Rent a Car

Sixt is a global car rental company with various locations in California. They offer a range of vehicles, including luxury cars. Sixt provides flexible rental options and competitive pricing. ​

KAYAK

Not a rental company, but full of exclusive rental deals. KAYAK is a travel website that compares car rental prices. It helps you find deals from various companies in California. Using KAYAK can save you time and money. 

TripAdvisor

TripAdvisor allows you to search for car rental deals in California. They compare prices from companies like Alamo, Avis, and Enterprise. This helps you find the best-priced rental. 

Momondo

Another comparison site is Momondo. It shows car rental options from different companies. Momondo helps you find affordable rentals in California. You must use it if your travel budget is low.

Expedia

Get amazing California car rental deals on Expedia. It is a travel booking platform. Expedia works with various rental companies. This gives you many choices to find the best deal. ​

Hotwire

Do not have a good travel budget to visit California? No worries, Hotwire provides discounted car rental rates. They offer deals in California through partnerships with rental companies. Hotwire can be a good option for budget-conscious travelers. 

EconomyBookings

Next is an online platform, “EconomyBookings.” This is an online way to book a rental car. It helps you find affordable car rentals in California. They compare prices from various companies. This ensures you get the best deal. ​

Yelp

Yelp offers reviews of car rental companies in California. You can read about other customers’ experiences. This helps you choose a reliable rental company.

Reddit Communities

Online platforms like Reddit can provide personal experiences. Users share tips on finding car rental deals in California. These smart actions can be helpful for planning your rental. ​

Booking.com

Yes, you can also use Booking.com to provide car rental options in California. They offer various deals and discounts. Booking.com is known for its user-friendly platform. ​

Turo

Now we have a car-sharing option. We are talking about Turo. It is a car-sharing platform. It allows you to rent cars from local owners in California. Turo offers a wide range of vehicles. This includes unique and luxury options.

Car Rental Comparison Websites 

These websites compare prices from different rental companies to help you find the best deals:

Quick Tips to Save Money on Car Rentals in California

Book Early: Prices go up during peak times like summer and holidays.

Avoid Airport Rentals: They often have extra fees. Rent from a city location instead.

Pick a Smaller Car: Compact cars are cheaper and easier to park.

Check for Discounts: AAA, Costco, and travel websites often have rental deals.

Read the Fine Print: Watch for hidden fees like extra driver charges or toll programs.

Fill Up the Tank Before Returning: Rental companies charge more for gas.

Take Pictures of the Car Before You Drive: This avoids being blamed for damage.

Return on Time: Late returns can lead to extra fees.

Conclusion

California is vast  from San Diego’s beaches to Yosemite’s mountains and public transport often doesn’t reach the best spots. Renting a car gives you the freedom to explore scenic routes, stop at roadside attractions, and enjoy road trips like the Pacific Coast Highway or Big Sur drive.

With so many options, you can find cheap car rentals in California or premium rides depending on your travel style and budget.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it cheaper to rent a car at the airport or in the city?​
To find cheap car rental deals in California, compare prices from different companies using websites like KAYAK and Momondo . Booking in advance and being flexible with your rental dates can also help you save money.​
Which car rental companies are popular in California?​
Popular car rental companies in California include Hertz, Avis, Enterprise, and Budget . These companies offer a wide range of vehicles and services.​
Is it cheaper to rent a car at the airport or in the city?​
Renting a car in the city is often cheaper than at the airport due to additional fees at airport locations . However, consider transportation costs to the city rental location when comparing prices.
What documents do I need to rent a car in California?​
You need a valid driver’s license and a credit card to rent a car in California . Some companies may also require proof of insurance.
Do I need additional insurance when renting a car in California?​
Rental companies offer insurance options, but your personal auto insurance or credit card may already provide coverage . Review your existing policies before purchasing additional insurance.